Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers are a dynamic and very active group of walkers. They have a busy schedule of walks right across the area which all have nominated leaders so it is a great way to get out walking and discover new routes with some support. There is also great potential for scrambling in the area so a small group of ramblers and I went to Buachaille Etive Mor to push the envelope a little and coach some scrambling skills.

We went up Broad Buttress to see what a grade 2 scramble is like. This one is very sustained and quite airy but generally with good positive rhyolite holds. We had some thunder on the way up and a couple of heavy showers but the rock stayed grippy and we got to the top very well. You don't need to reach the summit of Stob Dearg, instead you can turn around and descend Great Gully Buttress which is a nice grade 1/2 scramble. It has a distinct crux formed by a wall with a groove running straight up (or down) it. We looked at using the rope to protect this and found the rest of the route to zigzag from side to side finding the easiest line. Despite the rain it was a very nice day with spectacular views.

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Mike Pescodmountain guide.

Self reliance is a fundamental principle of mountaineering. By participating we accept this and take responsibility for the decisions we make. These blog posts and conditions reports are intended to help you make good decisions. They do not remove the need for you to make your own judgements when out in the hills.